Adhesive sheet material application arc squeegee and method

ABSTRACT

A method of using an adhesive sheet material application squeegee and method of applying an adhesive sheet material are disclosed. The method includes securing a portion of adhesive sheet material to a surface and applying the adhesive sheet material to the surface with the adhesive sheet material application squeegee.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/673,534, filed Mar. 30, 2015, which is a Divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/294,137, filed Jun. 2, 2014, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/956,067 filed Jun. 1,2013, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates to the application of adhesive sheetmaterials, and, more particularly, an arc squeegee and method forapplying adhesive sheet materials.

BACKGROUND

Adhesive sheet materials are becoming the increasingly popular choicefor advertising or otherwise displaying graphics on signs, automobiles,indoor and outdoor walls, indoor and outdoor floors, indoor and outdoorceilings, buildings, and numerous other surfaces. Adhesive sheetmaterials typically have a display side bearing desired graphics,colors, texture, images, and/or text, and an application side that iscoated with an adhesive substance and allows for application to varioussurfaces. The adhesive sheet material is typically applied in oversizedsections and then cut or shaped to the desired shape and size. The sizeof the oversized sections and the size of the surface to which theadhesive sheet material is being applied vary greatly depending on theapplication.

One type of adhesive sheet material, which is commonly used in thevehicle wrap industry is vinyl paint wraps. Although vinyl paint wrapsare common, vehicles can be customized using a variety of adhesive sheetmaterials and the customization can include, but is not limited toincluding, body color change and/or texture change.

Adhesive sheet materials are applied to surfaces that have a variety ofunique features, such as contours, welded obstacles, edges, texture, andelements such as handles or windows. It is desirable to shape theadhesive sheet material around the surfaces' unique features. Theadhesive sheet material is best applied once gently heated during theapplication process, the heat serving both to activate the adhesive andto render the adhesive sheet material more pliable and thus amenable tocompliance with the application to the surface and its unique features.Generally, a heat source, such as a propane or other combustible gastorch is used to heat the adhesive sheet material.

Application of adhesive sheet material is a pressure sensitive process.Applying the wrong amount of pressure can result in improperinstallation of the adhesive sheet material. Difficulties often ariseduring application of adhesive sheet material to variations in thesurface or irregular surface features, such as contours, weldedobstacles, edges, texture, and elements such as handles or windows.Issues can arise if too little, too much, or non-uniform pressure isapplied when installing the adhesive sheet material to variations in thesurface or irregular surface features. These issues include gaps, airbubbles, or air-pockets in-between the surface and the adhesive sheetmaterial and post application lifting of the adhesive sheet materialfrom the surface caused by shrinkage of the adhesive sheet materialafter being overstretched. If the adhesive sheet material is notproperly adhered to the surface, it can result in aesthetic problems,peeling off of the adhesive sheet material, and/or prematuredelamination from the adhesive sheet material causing future failure.

Currently, the art lacks a reliable and desirable apparatus and methodfor flawlessly applying adhesive sheet material to variations in thesurface or irregular surface features, applying the correct pressure,and preventing gaps, air bubbles, air-pockets, and lifting between thesurface and the adhesive sheet material.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device and a method to facilitate thepositioning, affixing, applied pressure, user exertion, and smoothing ofthe adhesive sheet material to the desired surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure fills the need for a device and method thatfacilitates and addresses the shortcomings of the current devices andmethods for applying sections of adhesive sheet material to variationsin the surface or irregular surface features and preventing gaps, airbubbles, air-pockets, and lifting between the surface and the adhesivesheet material.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using anadhesive sheet material application squeegee is disclosed. The methodcomprises securing a portion of adhesive sheet material to a surface andapplying the adhesive sheet material to the surface with the adhesivesheet material application squeegee.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of applyingadhesive sheet material is disclosed. The method comprises providing anadhesive sheet material application squeegee having at least one convexarc edge, securing a portion of adhesive sheet material to a surface,and applying a desired pressure with the at least one convex arc edge ofthe adhesive sheet material application squeegee to the adhesive sheetmaterial to secure the adhesive sheet material to the surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofapplying adhesive sheet material is disclosed. The method comprisesproviding an adhesive sheet material application squeegee having a firstedge and at least one convex arc edge, providing an adhesive sheetmaterial, securing a portion of adhesive sheet material to a surface,and applying a desired pressure with the first edge and the at least oneconvex arc edge along the adhesive sheet material to secure the adhesivesheet material to the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments described herein and other features, advantages, anddisclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, willbecome apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood byreference to the following description of various exemplary embodimentsof the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adhesive sheet material arcapplication squeegee according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adhesive sheet material arcapplication squeegee according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an adhesive sheet material arc applicationsqueegee according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an adhesive sheet material arc applicationsqueegee according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adhesive sheet material arcapplication squeegee as used to apply a section of adhesive sheetmaterial to a surface according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an adhesive sheet material arc applicationsqueegee according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an adhesive sheet material arc applicationsqueegee according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;and

FIG. 8 shows a method of using an adhesive sheet material arcapplication squeegee according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarilyto scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of variouspreferred features illustrative of the basic principles of thedisclosure. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have beenenlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization andclear understanding. In particular thin features may be thickened, forexample, for clarity or illustration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of adhesive sheet materialarc application squeegees and methods for using the same. FIG. 1 showsan adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of theadhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100 shown in FIG. 1comprises a base 102, a first edge 104, a second edge 106, a proximaledge 108, a distal edge 110, a first gripping surface 112, and a secondgripping surface 114. The first edge 104 comprises two arcs with astraight portion in-between the two arcs. Arc, as used throughout thisdisclosure, means a continuous piece of the circumference of a circle.The second edge 106 is straight. The proximal edge 108 is straight. Thedistal edge 110 is straight. As shown in FIG. 1, the first grippingsurface 112 is flat. The second gripping surface 114 is flat. Theadhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100 allows a user toapply any of the four edges to a surface 500 while holding the base 102.

FIG. 2 shows an adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Theembodiment of the adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100shown in FIG. 2 comprises a base 102, a first edge 104, and a secondedge 106, a proximal edge 108, a distal edge 110, a first grippingsurface 112, a second gripping surface 114, a cover 200, two ribs 202and an anchor 204. The first edge 104 comprises two arcs with a straightportion in-between the two arcs. The second edge 106 is straight. Theproximal edge 108 is straight. The distal edge 110 is straight. Thecover 200 covers the first edge 104, second edge 106, proximal edge 108,and distal edge 110. The cover 200 is folded over each edge and securedto the first gripping surface 112 and the second gripping surface 114. Aportion of the base 102 remains uncovered by the cover 200. The rib 202protrudes off the first gripping surface 112. The rib 202 protrudes offthe second gripping surface 114. The rib 202 surface is flat. The cover200 does not cover the rib 202. The anchor 204 is located near thecenter of the base 102. The cover 200 does not cover the anchor 204. Theadhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100 allows a user toapply any of the covered edges to a surface 500 while holding the base102.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show an adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first edge 104 comprises two arcs with astraight portion in-between the two arcs. The second edge 106, proximaledge 108, and distal edge 110 are straight. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,the cover 200 covers the first edge 104, second edge 106, proximal edge108, and distal edge 110. FIG. 3 shows one way a user's hand 300 canhold the adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100. As shownin FIG. 3, the user's hand 300 is holding the first gripping surface 112and the second gripping surface 114, while covering the second edge 106.As shown in FIG. 3, the first edge 104 is opposite the user's hand 300and available for use.

FIG. 4 shows one way a user's hand 300 can hold the adhesive sheetmaterial arc application squeegee 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the user'shand 300 is holding the first gripping surface 112 and the secondgripping surface 114, while covering the first edge 104. As shown inFIG. 4, the second edge 106 is opposite the user's hand 300 andavailable for use. In other embodiments, a user holds the first grippingsurface 112 and the second gripping surface 114 in other orientationswith the edge the user wishes to apply to a surface 500 opposite theuser's hand 300.

FIG. 5 shows an adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shownin FIG. 5, the first edge 104 comprises two arcs with a straight portionin-between the two arcs. The second edge 106, proximal edge 108, anddistal edge 110 are straight. As shown in FIG. 5 the cover 200 coversthe first edge 104, second edge 106, proximal edge 108, and distal edge110. FIG. 5 shows a section of adhesive sheet material 502 that has beenplaced on a surface 500 with surface contour 504. As shown in FIG. 5,the surface contour 504 is a narrow channel. The adhesive sheet materialarc application squeegee 100 can be used with a variety of surfacecontours 504, including but not limited to, variations in the surface,irregular surface features, welded obstacles, edges, textures, joints,handles and windows. As shown in FIG. 5, the adhesive sheet material arcapplication squeegee 100 is in use to secure the adhesive sheet material502 to the surface 500 and surface contour 504. The user's hand 300 isholding the first gripping surface 112 and the second gripping surface114 over the second edge 106 and applying the first edge 104 to thesurface 500. Using the arced edge to apply the adhesive sheet material100 allows a user to have more control and flexibility over the pressureapplied and the portion of the surface 500 the pressure is applied to.

FIG. 6 shows an adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Theembodiment of the adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100shown in FIG. 6 comprises a base 102, a first edge 104, and a cover 200.The first edge 104 comprises a single contiguous round perimeter.

FIG. 7 shows an adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Theembodiment of the adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100shown in FIG. 7 comprises a base 102, a first edge 104, a second edge106, a proximal edge 108, a distal edge 110, a first gripping surface112, a second gripping surface 114, and a cover 200. The first edge 104comprises an arc. The second edge 106 is straight. The proximal edge 108is straight. The distal edge 110 is straight.

In at least one embodiment, the width of the adhesive sheet material arcapplication squeegee 100 can range from three (3) inches to thirteen(13) inches. In at least one embodiment, the length of the adhesivesheet material arc application squeegee 100 can range from three (3)inches to thirteen (13) inches. In at least one embodiment, thethickness of the adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100can range from 0.03 inches to 1 inch. In at least one embodiment, thethickness of the adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100varies over the first gripping surface 112 and the second grippingsurface 114. In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the adhesivesheet material arc application squeegee is greater over the portion ofthe base 102 covered by the cover 200 than over the portion of the base102 not covered by the cover 200. In at least one embodiment, the radiusof the edge arc can range from 0.03 inches to 24 inches.

In at least one embodiment, the first edge 104 is straight. In at leastone embodiment, the first edge 104 comprises multiple arcs. In at leastone embodiment, the first edge 104 comprises at least one symmetric arc.In at least one embodiment, the first edge 104 comprises at least oneasymmetric arc. In at least one embodiment, the second edge 106 is anarc. In at least one embodiment, the second edge 106 comprises multiplearcs. In at least one embodiment, the second edge 106 comprises at leastone symmetric arc. In at least one embodiment, the second edge 106comprises at least one asymmetric arc. In at least one embodiment, theproximal edge 108 is an arc. In at least one embodiment, the proximaledge 108 comprises multiple arcs. In at least one embodiment, theproximal edge 108 comprises at least one symmetric arc. In at least oneembodiment, the proximal edge 108 comprises at least one asymmetric arc.In at least one embodiment, the distal edge 110 is an arc. In at leastone embodiment, the distal edge 110 comprises multiple arcs. In at leastone embodiment, the distal edge 110 comprises at least one symmetricarc. In at least one embodiment, the distal edge 110 comprises at leastone asymmetric arc. In at least one embodiment, the base 102 comprises afirst edge 104, wherein the first edge 104 is a symmetric singlecontiguous round perimeter. In at least one embodiment, the base 102comprises a first edge 104, wherein the first edge 104 is a asymmetricsingle contiguous round perimeter.

In all embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one edgecomprises at least one arc. In all embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the at least one arc of the at least one edge is convex,i.e. bulging outward, in relation to the base 102.

The base 102 material can be, but is not limited to being, rubber,silicone, composites, metal, leather, various polymers,polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon, and/or various plastics. In atleast one embodiment, the base 102 comprises a flexible material. In atleast one embodiment, the base 102 comprises a strong material. In atleast one embodiment, the base 102 material comprisespolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In at least one embodiment, the base 102material comprises nylon. In at least one embodiment, the first grippingsurface 112 is rounded. In at least one embodiment, the second grippingsurface 114 is rounded. In at least one embodiment, at least one surfaceof the base 102 is rough. In at least one embodiment, at least onesurface of the base 102 is smooth. In at least one embodiment, the firstgripping surface 112 and the second gripping surface 114 are tapered. Inat least one embodiment, the tapered surfaces are thickest in the middleof the base 102 and thinnest at the edges. In at least one embodiment,the location of the thickest and thinnest parts of the tapered surfacesvaries.

The cover 200 material can be, but is not limited to being, fabric,upholstery fabric, synthetic fabric, suede leather, leather, microfiberpolyester blend, synthetic suede, wool, cotton, various syntheticmaterials, various polymers, and/or micro-fiber cloth. In at least oneembodiment, the cover 200 comprises a low friction material. In at leastone embodiment, the cover 200 comprises a material with a coefficient offriction less than 0.6 when used in connection with adhesive sheetmaterial 502. In at least one embodiment, the cover 200 comprises softmaterial. In at least one embodiment, the cover 200 comprises a durablelong lasting material. In at least one embodiment, the cover 200comprises a material that can be used on surfaces with temperatures atleast up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. In at least one embodiment, thecover 200 comprises a material that maintains its shape and quality whenwet. In at least one embodiment, the cover 200 material comprises amicrofiber polyester blend. In at least one embodiment, the cover 200material comprises a synthetic suede.

In at least one embodiment, the cover 200 covers the entire perimeter ofthe base 102. In at least one embodiment the cover 200 covers only aportion of the perimeter of the base 102. In at least one embodiment,the cover 200 covers all surfaces of the base 102. In at least oneembodiment, the cover 200 covers only one of the following: first edge104, second edge 106, proximal edge 108, and distal edge 110. In atleast one embodiment, the cover 200 covers only two of the following:first edge 104, second edge 106, proximal edge 108, and distal edge 110.In at least one embodiment, the cover 200 covers only three of thefollowing: first edge 104, second edge 106, proximal edge 108, anddistal edge 110.

The cover 200 can be secured, but is not limited to being secured, tothe base 102 with adhesive tape, glue, or thread. In at least oneembodiment, the cover 200 is sewn to the base 102. In at least oneembodiment, material is inserted in between the cover 200 and base 102before securing the cover 200 to increase the thickness of the coveredportions of the adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100. Inat least one embodiment, one cover 200 is secured to the base 102. In atleast one embodiment, more than one cover 200 is secured to the base102.

In at least one embodiment, the base 102 has fewer than two ribs 202. Inat least one embodiment, the base 102 has more than two ribs. In atleast one embodiment, the rib 202 comprises a rectangular prism. In atleast one embodiment, the adhesive sheet material arc applicationsqueegee 100 does not have any ribs 202. In at least one embodiment, therib 202 protrudes out of only one surface of the base 102. In at leastone embodiment, the width of the rib 202 can range from three 0.03inches to 1 inch. In at least one embodiment, the length of the rib 202can range from three (3) inches to thirteen (13) inches. In at least oneembodiment, the thickness of the rib 202 can range from 0.03 inches to 1inch. In at least one embodiment, the rib 202 comprises the samematerial as the base 102. In at least one embodiment, the rib 202comprises a different material than the base 102. The rib 202 materialcan be, but is not limited to being, rubber, silicone, composites,metal, leather, various polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon,and/or various plastics. In at least one embodiment, the rib 202 isrough. In at least one embodiment, the rib 202 is smooth. In at leastone embodiment, the rib surface is rounded. In at least one embodiment,the rib 202 is smooth. In at least one embodiment, the rib 202 surfaceis flat. In other embodiments, the rib 202 can be any deviation from thesurface of the base 102, including but not limited to, bumps, groves,and notches.

In at least one embodiment, the base 102 has more than one anchor 204.In at least one embodiment, the base has less than one anchor 204. In atleast one embodiment, the anchor 204 can be located anywhere on the base102. In at least one embodiment, the anchor 204 comprises ferromagneticmaterial. In at least one embodiment, the anchor 204 comprises a magnet.In at least one embodiment, the anchor 204 comprises a hook and loopfastener. In at least one embodiment, the anchor 204 comprises a snapfastener. In at least one embodiment, the anchor 204 can be any fastenerthat allows a user to secure the anchor 204 to a utility-band wore bythe user and allows for one-handed removal and securing. In at least oneembodiment, the anchor 204 can be any fastener that allows a user tosecure the anchor 204 to a nearby surface and allows for one-handedremoval and securing. In at least one embodiment, the anchor 204 isinside of the base 102. In at least one embodiment, the anchor 204 is onthe first gripping surface 112. In at least one embodiment, the anchor204 is on the second gripping surface 114.

In at least one embodiment, the adhesive sheet material arc applicationsqueegee 100 can be washed in a washing machine. In at least oneembodiment, the adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100 canbe used when wet. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive sheetmaterial arc application squeegee 100 can be used when the adhesivesheet material 502 is wet. In at least one embodiment, the adhesivesheet material arc application squeegee 100 should not be exposed towater. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive sheet material arcapplication squeegee 100 comprises materials that can be used onsurfaces with temperatures at least up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of using the adhesivesheet material arc application squeegee 100 according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In step 810 of FIG. 8, a userplaces the adhesive sheet material 502 on a desired surface 500. In atleast one embodiment, the adhesive sheet material 502 is placed over asurface contour 504. In at least one embodiment, the surface is cleanedprior to applying the adhesive sheet material 502. In step 820 of FIG.8, a user applies pressure using the adhesive sheet material arcapplication squeegee 100 to the adhesive sheet material until theadhesive sheet material 502 is adequately mated to the surface 500. Inat least one embodiment, the user places the arc edge of the adhesivesheet material arc application squeegee 100 on the adhesive sheetmaterial 502. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive sheet materialarc application squeegee 100 is used to apply adequate pressure to formthe adhesive sheet material 502 to fit securely around and in a surfacecontour 504. In at least one embodiment, a user heats the adhesive sheetmaterial 502 using a heat source, including, but not limited to, anelectric heat gun or a propane or other combustible gas torch, beforethe user applies pressure using the adhesive sheet material arcapplication squeegee 100. In at least one embodiment, a user wets theadhesive sheet material 502 before the user applies pressure using theadhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100. In at least oneembodiment, a user wets the adhesive sheet material arc applicationsqueegee 100 before the user applies pressure to the adhesive sheetmaterial 502 using the adhesive sheet material arc application squeegee100. The liquid used to wet the adhesive sheet material 502 or theadhesive sheet material arc application squeegee 100, can be but is notlimited to being, water and soapy water. In optional step 830 of FIG. 8,a user cuts and removes the excess adhesive sheet material 502 after thesurface 500 has been covered in the desired pattern.

While various embodiments of an adhesive sheet material arc applicationsqueegee and methods for using the same have been described inconsiderable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered by way ofnon-limiting examples of the disclosure described herein. It willtherefore be understood that various changes and modifications may bemade, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Further, in describing representative embodiments, the disclosure mayhave presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence ofsteps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not relyon the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or processshould not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described.Other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particularorder of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed aslimitations of the present disclosure. In addition, disclosure directedto a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance oftheir steps in the order written. Such sequences may be varied and stillremain within the scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of applying adhesive sheet materialcomprising: providing an adhesive sheet material application squeegeehaving a base comprising a first edge having a convex arc edge, a secondedge, a first gripping surface, and a second gripping surface, whereinat least one cover is secured over a portion of the first grippingsurface, the at least one cover is secured over a portion of the secondgripping surface, the at least one cover is secured over the first edge,and the at least one cover is secured over the second edge, wherein theat least one cover is sewn to the base; providing an adhesive sheetmaterial; holding the first gripping surface and the second grippingsurface of the adhesive sheet material application squeegee; securing aportion of the adhesive sheet material to an application surface; andapplying the convex arc edge of the first edge to the adhesive sheetmaterial to secure the adhesive sheet material to the surface.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein applying the convex arc edge of the firstedge to the adhesive sheet material with a pressure includes rolling theadhesive sheet material application squeegee along the convex arc edgewith the pressure to apply the adhesive sheet material to theapplication surface.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least onecover is sewn to a portion of the first gripping surface, the at leastone cover is sewn to a portion of the second gripping surface, the atleast one cover is sewn to the first edge, and the at least one cover issewn to the second edge.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a portion ofthe base between the first edge and the second edge remains uncovered.5. A method of applying adhesive sheet material comprising: providing anadhesive sheet material application squeegee having a base comprising afirst edge having a convex arc edge, a second edge opposite the firstedge, a first gripping surface, a second gripping surface opposite thefirst gripping surface, and at least one cover secured over the firstedge, wherein the at least one cover is secured to the base such that itsubstantially covers a perimeter of the base; providing an adhesivesheet material; securing a portion of the adhesive sheet material to anapplication surface; holding the adhesive sheet material applicationsqueegee by gripping the first gripping surface and the second grippingsurface of the adhesive sheet material application squeegee such thatthe convex arc edge of the first edge is directed toward the portion ofthe adhesive sheet material; and applying the convex arc edge of thefirst edge to the adhesive sheet material to secure the adhesive sheetmaterial to the surface.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at leastone cover is sewn to the base.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein holdingthe adhesive sheet material application squeegee by gripping the firstgripping surface and the second gripping surface of the adhesive sheetmaterial application squeegee includes gripping at least one rib of thefirst gripping surface and the second gripping surface of the adhesivesheet material application squeegee.
 8. The method of claim 5, whereinapplying the convex arc edge of the first edge to the adhesive sheetmaterial with a pressure sufficient to secure the adhesive sheetmaterial to the surface includes rolling the adhesive sheet materialapplication squeegee along the convex arc edge with the pressure toapply the adhesive sheet material to the application surface.
 9. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the at least one cover partially covers thebase such that a portion of the base remains uncovered.
 10. The methodof claim 5, further comprising securing the adhesive sheet materialapplication squeegee to an anchoring surface separate from theapplication surface with an anchor of the base of the adhesive sheetmaterial application squeegee.
 11. A method of applying adhesive sheetmaterial comprising: providing an adhesive sheet material applicationsqueegee having a base comprising a first edge having a convex arc edgespanning one of the entire length of the base and the entire width ofthe base, a second edge adjacent the first edge having a straight edge,a third edge adjacent the first edge, a first gripping surface, a secondgripping surface opposite the first gripping surface, and at least onecover secured over the first edge and the second edge such that the atleast one cover is secured over the one of the entire length of the baseand the entire width of the base, wherein the at least one cover is notsecured over the third edge of the base; providing an adhesive sheetmaterial; securing a portion of the adhesive sheet material to anapplication surface; holding the adhesive sheet material applicationsqueegee by gripping the first gripping surface and the second grippingsurface of the adhesive sheet material application squeegee such thatthe convex arc edge of the first edge is directed toward the portion ofthe adhesive sheet material; and applying the convex arc edge of thefirst edge to the adhesive sheet material to secure the adhesive sheetmaterial to the surface.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein applyingthe convex arc edge of the first edge to the adhesive sheet material tosecure the adhesive sheet material to the surface includes applying atapered edge to the adhesive sheet material to secure the adhesive sheetmaterial to the surface.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein applyingthe convex arc edge of the first edge to the adhesive sheet material tosecure the adhesive sheet material to the surface further comprisesapplying the tapered edge to the adhesive sheet material to secure theadhesive sheet material in a surface contour.
 14. The method of claim11, wherein a cover material forming the at least one cover comprises asynthetic suede material.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein a covermaterial forming the at least one cover comprises a microfiber material.16. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one cover is disposedsubstantially around a perimeter of the base of the adhesive sheetmaterial application squeegee except the third edge.
 17. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the at least one cover partially covers the perimeterof the base of the adhesive sheet material application squeegee suchthat at least the third edge of the base of the adhesive sheet materialapplication squeegee remains uncovered.